TV naturalist Chris Packham campaigns at Eltisley farm

Naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham visited Papley Grove Farm in Eltisley as part of his UK BioBlitz Campaign, which highlights the impact farming can have on diversity.

The farm is run by Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, using farming methods which support wildlife and was the only farm in 50 sites visited by Chris as part of a groundbreaking audit which will help show the rise and fall of species.

Chris, the star of the BBC series Springwatch, is calling for more farmers to support nature friendly farming.

He said: “I’m doing this because I want to highlight that the UK’s landscape is in big trouble.

“We should have a far greater expectation of having wildlife around us all of the time but sadly we find ourselves going to nature reserves.”

He added: “We need to appreciate the role of farmers in protecting and supporting wildlife. We want wildlife everywhere, nature reserves are not enough.”